Pool table dollie

ABSTRACT

A two-section dollie for the support and transporting of a vertically orientated pool table. The sections are releasably and adjustably interconnected by a pair of cradel arms mounted on one section and selectively engaged with the second section. The one section includes angularly extendable dual support legs, while the second section mounts dual rocker arms utilized to horizontally swing the supported table. The table supporting assembled sections provide a four-wheel base.

[111 3,744,812 July 10, 1973 United States Patent [1 1 Langhausen 3,156,318 11/1964 Sorenson et a]. 280/79.3

[ POOL TABLE DOLLIE [76] Inventor: Howard G. Langhausen, 2104 22nd P E L F Street West, Billings, Mont. 59102 "mary mmmer e0 nag la June 11, 1971 Assistant Examiner-David M. Mitchell [22] Filed:

Attorney-Clarence A. OBrien and Harvey B. Jacobson [21] Appl. No.: 152,160

[57] ABSTRACT A two-section dollie for the support and transporting of a vertically orientated pool table. The sections are re- [52] US. 280/35, 280/47.12, 280/79.l, '280/793 [51] Int.

[58] w of searchmmmmm leasably and adjustably interconnected by a pair of cradel arms mounted on one section and selectively engaged with the second section. The one section includes angularly extendablc dual support legs, while [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS the second section mounts dual rocker arms utilized to horizontally swing the supported table. The table sup- 2,4l7,553 3/1947 Jensen 280/47 34 ass mbl d Sect'ons rovide a four wheel base 2,763,491 9/1956 'l'horwaldson.,................... 280/79.1 pot mg 6 e l p 3,093,387 6/1963 ONeill............................... 280/79 1 10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEBJUL 1 0:915

SHEET 3 BF 3 Howard 6. Lang/rausen POOL TABLE DOLLIE The invention herein is generally concerned with the provision of a device whereby one man can load and transport pool tables and the like. More particularly, the instant invention relates to a hand-propelled dollie which receives a vertically tipped pool table, providing opposed table bracing upright portions and a mobile base for manual movement of the supported table as desired.

Significant objects of the invention include the provision of a dollie which incorporates laterally adjustable sections for the accommodation of tables of different depths, and auxiliary support and rocker arms for facilitating both a loading of the table onto the dollie and a subsequent setting up of the dollie in a usable horizontal position.

Other objects of the invention include the provision of a dollie which, when not in use, collapses into a pair of separate compact sections which are easily carried or stored; a dollie which is of a structurally simple although highly unique and stable construction; and a dollie which is easily used both as a transporting means for the table and as a device for facilitating the erection of the table.

Basically, the objects of the instant invention are achieved through the provision of a two-section dollie. Each section mounts a pair of transport wheels with a first section including laterally extendable cradle arms selectively locked to the second section in a manner which enables a lateral adjustment of the sections relative to each other for an accommodation of tables of different depths. The first section includes pivotally mounted support leg means for an angular support of the loaded cradle, while the other section is adapted to selectively mount rocker means utilized in swinging the dollie, and the supported table, to a horizontal position.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view of the dollie assembled for the support of a pool table;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the dollie;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of'the dollie utilizing the extended support and having the rocker mounted thereon;

FIG. 5 is a perspective detail of the pivotally mounted end of one of the cradle arms in its latched position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective detail of the adjustable engaging end of a cradle arm in its latched position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective detail of a pair of lower ends of the two dollie sections with the corresponding cradle arm retracted; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective detail illustrating the manner of mounting the lower end of one of the rocker arms.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 is used to generally designate the dollie comprising the instant invention. The dollie 10 consists basically of two similar sections 12 and 14.

The section 12 includes an elongated rectangular base 16 formed of laterally spaced horizontal rails l8 interconnected, at the opposed ends thereof, by transverse bars or plates 20 to define a rigid rectangular framework. The base 16 is mobile, mounting a pair of spaced aligned freely rolling wheels or rollers 22 located inwardly of the opposed end cross bars 20.

A table stabilizing upright portion 24 mounts on the inner rail 18 and extends a substantial height vertically therefrom. This upright portion 24 consists basically of a pair of laterally spaced side posts 26 interconnected by upper and intermediate cross rails 28. The upright portion 24 is braced by a pair of braces or legs 30, one fixed to each post 26 at or slightly above mid-height thereon and extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom to fixed engagement with the outermost of the base rails 18. The innerfaces of the vertically elongated support portion 24 can be cushioned as desired so as to provide for a non-marring engagement with a received pool table or the like.

The second section, section 14 includes all of the above described components which, in the drawings, have been designated by like reference numerals.

The two sections 12 and 14 are, during use, releasably interconnected by a cradle consisting of two cradle arms 32, each being in the nature of an elongated angle bar including a horizontal top flange 34 and a depending vertical flange 36. The inner base rail 18 of section 12 includes an elongated rod 38 extending completely therethrough and beyond the opposite ends thereof so as to pivotally mount the opposed cradle arms 32 to the opposite ends of the base 16, the rod end portions extending through the vertical flanges 36 slightly inward from the end thereof. Mounted in this manner, the cradle arms 36 can pivot between a stored substantially vertical position as in FIG. 7 and a horizontal in use position as illustrated in FIG. 1.

In order to maintain each cradle arm 32 so that it projects perpendicularly from the associated upright portion 24, independently of the second section 14, a rotating lock or retainer 40 is provided and orientated so as to selectively engage beneath the extreme end of the horizontal flange 34 of the arm when the arm is rotated to its horizontal position. This retainer, noting particularly FIGS. 5 and 7, consists of a vertical rod rotatably retained within a horizontal plate 42 projecting from the end of the associated base 16, the rod having a laterally directed lower end portion which can be selectively swung under or away from the end portion of the top flange 34. When swung beneath the top flange 34, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the top flange is retained between the rod end and plate 42 and hence locked in at the horizontal position thereof.

In order to provide for an interlocking of the sections 12 and I4 through the cradle arms 32, the vertical flange 36 of each cradle arm, toward the outer or free end thereof, includes a series of vertical slots 44 therein. These slots selectively engage over and receive an outwardly directed vertical plate or keeper 46 projecting from the corresponding end of the base 16 of the second section 14. Each of the plates 46, noting FIGS. 6 and 7 in particular, have the end portion thereof laterally bent so as to lie parallel to and immediately outward of the vertical flange 36 of the associated cradle arm 32 thereby precluding an accidental disengagement of the arm 32 from the plate 46. As previously indicated, the provision of a series of retaining slots 44 enable an adjustment of the lateral distance between the sections 12 and 14 as well as a positive interlocking of the sections to each other in any of the adjusted positions thereof. In this manner, pool tables and the like of varying depths can be accommodated in a snug and protected manner. The upper surfaces of the cradle arms 32 will also of course have protective or cushioning material provided thereon.

In order to further assist in positively interlocking each cradle arm 32, an elongated spring loaded lock rod 48 is provided in conjunction therewith. This rod 48 overlies the inner base rail 18 of the section 14 and is slideably extensible through the lower end portion of an adjoinging vertical post 26 as well as a vertical plate 50 mounted inwardly thereof. The rod 48 is biased outwardly relative to the post 36 by a coil compression spring 52 engaged between the mounting plate 56 and a collar 54 on the rod 48. The lock rod 48, when extended through the biasing action of the spring 52, lies over the adjoining engaged cradle arm 32 as will be best appreciated from FIG. 6. In order to retain the rod 48 in a retracted position, for ease of positioning of the associated cradle arm 32, the mounting plate 50 associated therewith is provided with an inwardly directed flange behind which the laterally directed end 56 of the rod 48 can engage upon a retraction and rotation of the rod. This feature will be best appreciated from FIG. 7.

The section 12 is also provided with a support unit 58 consisting of a pair of laterally spaced support legs 60, each hingedly connected to one of the crossbeams 28 located slightly above mid-height on the upright portion 24. These legs include enlarged stabilizing feet 62 on the lower ends thereof and are transversely braced relative to each other by a cross member or beam 64.

An appropriate over center pair of lock arms 66 extend a between the leg brace 64 and one of the crossbeams of the upright portion 24 for both locking the support unit closely against the section as illustrated in full lines in FIG. 2 and at an outwardly inclined position relative thereto as illustrated in phantom lines in H6. 2. The extended position of the leg unit 58 enables a convenient angular tipping of the section 12 with or without a load thereon. This in turn facilitates an assembly of the second section 14 thereto. This feature, in conjunction with the ability to stabilize the cradle arms 32 independently of the second section 14 allows a single person to easily load a table on the extended cradle arms 32, tip the section 12 outwardly onto the leg unit 58 and subsequently mount the second section 14 so as to snugly engage the mounted table for transport thereof on the now completely formed dollie and the four traveling rollers provided thereon.

' The unloading of the table or the like 30, even subsequent to the positioning of leg mounted levelers 68 thereon, taking advantage of the exposed orientation of the table legs, is easily effected through the provision of a rocker 70 removably mounted on the outer side of the section 14. This rocker 70 includes a pair of laterally spaced vertically arcuate and outwardly convex arms 72, one aligned with each of the upright posts 26 of the section 14. The upper end of each of the rocker arms 70 includes a vertically turned portion 74 which is slideably received through a postmounted collar 76. Each arm 72 sweeps arcuately to a point in spaced relation below the end of the base and then turns vertically, as at 78, and then horizontally, as at 80, for introduction through a depending collar 82 fixed to the base end. Each rocker arm 72 can thus be mounted through a combined swinging and sliding movement thereof so as to engage the opposed ends through the pair of section mounted collars 76 and 82. If deemed desirable for additional stability, a reinforcing plate 84 can be welded within the lower portion of each arm 72. It will be noted that the support unit 58 is utilized to stabilize the dollie 10 in a slightly tipped position so as to enable a mounting of the rocker 70. Further, it will be noted that the lower end of each arcuate arm 72 is positioned slightly inward of the wheels 22 of the section 14 so as to facilitate a direct movement of the table supporting dollie 10 onto the rocker arms as the dollie and table are swung to a horizontal position. Once horizontally orientated, the table 30 and dollie 10 can be easily disengaged with the slightly elevated portion of the table 30 brought downward upon a removal of the dollie. Incidentally, it will be noted that the arcuate sweep of the rocker arms 72 is sufficient so as to outwardly span the lower set of table legs to avoid damage thereto upon movement of the table to the horizontal position.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a highly unique table transporting and positioning dollie has been defined. The dollie, while capable of forming a highly stable support and transport vehicle for large and extremely cumbersome pool tables and the like, is by the same token easily collapsed into two compact sections. The assembled dollie includes a support unit enabling a tipping of the dollie to a stable inclined position as well as a rocker unit which enables a swinging of the dollie and carried table from a vertical to horizontal unloading position.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resort to, falling with the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

I. A dollie for pool tables and the like comprising a pair of laterally spaced sections, each section including a wheel mounting base and a table stabilizing upright portion, and means releasably and rigidly interconnecting said sections in a manner whereby a selective separating of the sections for introduction of a table or the like therebetween can be effected, said means comprising cradle means pivotally mounted on a first one of said sections and selectively movable between a first collapsed position generally parallel to the associated upright portion and a second loading position projecting laterally from the upright portion, said cradle means including an outer end releasably lockable to the second section when the cradle means is in the second position thereof.

2. The dollie of claim 1 wherein said sections are laterally adjustable relative to each other to accommodate tables of different depths, said cradle means releasably interlocking said sections in any of a plurality of laterally adjusted positions.

3. The dollie of claim 2 wherein said cradle means comprises a pair of cradle arms, each of said cradle arms being pivotally secured to the base of the first section, latch means on said first section base for releasably locking each arm in the second position of the cradle means.

4. The dollie of claim 3 wherein each cradle arm includes a series of downwardly opening vertical slots defined therein at spaced points along the length thereof inward from the outer end of the arm, said second section including vertical plate means for selective reception within the cradle arm slots in accordance with the desired lateral distance between the sections.

5. The dollie of claim 4 including a spring-loaded latch means mounted on said second section in overlying spaced relation to the vertical cradle arm receiving plate means, said latch means being selectively retractable so as to enable engagement of the cradle arm slots over the vertical plate means, and selectively extensible so as to retain the plate engaged cradle arms.

6. The dollie of claim 3 including latch means on the base of the second section for releasably locking said cradle arms in engagement with the second section base.

7. The dollie of claim 6 including a support unit mounted on one of said sections and movable between a first position collapsed against the upright portion and a second position angled outwardly and downwardly therefrom for cooperation with the section in orientating the section at a slight inclination to the vertical.

8. The dollie of claim 7 including rocker means removably mountable on one section to project laterally outward therefrom, said rocker means being vertically arcuate and outwardly convex, extending upwardly from the base to enable a lateral rocking of the section from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position for a horizontal orientating of a supported table or the like.

9. A dollie for pool tables and the like comprising a pair of laterally spaced sections, each section including a wheel mounting base and a table stabilizing upright portion, and means releasably and rigidly interconnecting said sections in a manner whereby a selective separating of the sections for introduction of a table or the like therebetween can be effected, said means comprising cradle means mounted on a first one of said sections and selectively movable between a first collapsed position against said one section and a second loading position projecting laterally outward from said one section, said cradle means including an outer end releasably lockable to the second section when the cradle means is in the second position thereof, said sections being laterally adjustable relative to each other to accommodate tables of different depths, said cradle means releasably interlocking said sections in any of a plurality of laterally adjusted positions.

10. The dollie of claim 9 wherein said cradle means comprises a pair of cradle arms, each of said cradle arms being pivotally secured to the base of the first section, latch means on said first section base for releasably locking each arm in the second position of the cradle means. 

1. A dollie for pool tables and the like comprising a pair of laterally spaced sections, each section including a wheel mounting base and a table stabilizing upright portion, and means releasably and rigidly interconnecting said sections in a manner whereby a selective separating of the sections for introduction of a table or the like therebetween can be effected, said means comprising cradle means pivotally mounted on a first one of said sections and selectively movable between a first collapsed position generally parallel to the associated upright portion and a second loading position projecting laterally from the upright portion, said cradle means including an outer end releasably lockable to the second section when the cradle means is in the second position thereof.
 2. The dollie of claim 1 wherein said sections are laterally adjustable relative to each other to accommodate tables of different depths, said cradle means releasably interlocking said sections in any of a plurality of laterally adjusted positions.
 3. The dollie of claim 2 wherein said cradle means comprises a pair of cradle arms, each of said cradle arms being pivotally secured to the base of the first section, latch means on said first section base for releasably locking each arm in the second position of the cradle means.
 4. The dollie of claim 3 wherein each cradle arm includes a series of downwardly opening vertical slots defined therein at spaced points along the length thereof inward from the outer end of the arm, said second section including vertical plate means for selective reception within the cradle arm slots in accordance with the desired lateral distance between the sections.
 5. The dollie of claim 4 including a spring-loaded latch means mounted on said second section in overlying spaced relation to the vertical cradle arm receiving plate means, said latch means being selectively retractable so as to enable engagement of the cradle arm slots over the vertical plate means, and selectively extensible so as to retain the plate engaged cradle arms.
 6. The dollie of claim 3 including latch means on the base of the second section for releasably locking said cradle arms in engagement with the second section base.
 7. The dollie of claim 6 including a support unit mounted on one of said sections and movable between a first position collapsed against the upright portion and a second position angled outwardly and downwardly therefrom for cooperation with the section in orientating the section at a slight inclination to the vertical.
 8. The dollie of claim 7 including rocker means removably mountable on one section to project laterally outward therefrom, said rocker means being vertically arcuate and outwardly convex, extending upwardly from the base to enable a lateral rocking of the section from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position for a horizontal orientating of a supported table or the like.
 9. A dollie for pool tables and the like comprising a pair of laterally spaced sections, each section including a wheel mounting base and a table stabilizing upright portion, and means releasably and rigidly interconnecting said sections in a manner whereby a selective separating of the sections for introduction of a table or the like therebetween can be effected, said means comprising cradle means mounted on a first one of said sections and selectively movable between a first collapsed position against said one section and a second loading position projecting laterally outward from said one section, said cradle means including an outer end releasably lockable to the second section when the cradle means is in the second position thereof, said sections being laterally adjustable relative to each other to accommodate tables of different depths, said cradle means releasably interlocking said sections in any of a plurality of laterally adjusted positions.
 10. The dollie of claim 9 wherein said cradle means comprises a pair of cradle arms, each of said cradle arms being pivotally secured to the base of the first section, latch means on said first section base for releasably locking each arm in the second position of the cradle means. 